Armitstead Barnett has welcomed a new partner to the Kendal-based Cumbria team.

Mark Barrow, a qualified chartered surveyor and fellow of the Association of Agricultural Valuers, has more than 10 years of experience in rural property and estate matters, having previously headed a team of rural surveyors within the South Lakes and Cumbria.

During a time when the agricultural and land-owning sector faces its biggest challenge in decades, Armitstead Barnett strives to be at the forefront of advising land-owning clients and businesses across Cumbria and Lancashire.

Prior to qualifying as a chartered surveyor and fellow of the Association of Agricultural Valuers, Mark was employed as a farm and environmental advisor completing numerous Higher-Level Stewardship, Basic Payment Scheme and grant applications. His Honours degree in environmental land management and practical farming background put him in an excellent position to advise clients on the transition away from CAP to the new Environmental Land Management Scheme (ELMS) and Sustainable Farming Scheme.

Richard Furnival, rural professional partner, said: "Mark joins the company at an exciting time, when we are looking to strengthen and grow our presence within Cumbria.

"With his wealth of knowledge in all rural property and estate matters we are delighted to have him onboard and completes the formidable lineup in our Kendal office alongside John Hughes and Emma Hodkinson.”

Mr Barrow and the team have been working hard to prepare themselves to ensure the new year is off to the best of starts.

They will quickly see the latest application round of Countryside Stewardship grant funding, commencement of ELMS trials and potential future funding for slurry stores together with de-linking of BPS payments and the potential effects of these on land and farm sales and much more ahead.

Armitstead Barnett welcome clients old and new to speak, and register their interest with Mark by calling 07976280114 or by emailing mbarrow@abarnett.co.uk.

For a broader discussion, depending on your individual circumstances, a free face to face or phone discussion can be arranged, dependent on current coronavirus rules.